.300 Winchester Magnum Ballistics
The .300 Winchester Magnum is a proven long-range cartridge that scales up to big game and military sniping roles. Requires a magnum bolt face AR-10 and delivers substantial recoil in exchange for energy.
Cartridge Specifications
Common Bullet Weights and Types
Muzzle Velocity by Barrel Length
Muzzle Energy by Barrel Length
Bullet Drop Table
Values in inches. 16-inch barrel reference data. Positive values rise above line of sight, negative values fall below.
| Load | Zero | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 gr SST | 200 yd | 1 | 0 | -5 | -14.8 | -29.5 |
| 150 gr SST | 200 yd | 1 | 0 | -5 | -14.8 | -29.5 |
| 180 gr ELD-X | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -5.3 | -15 | -29 |
| 180 gr ELD-X | 200 yd | 1.3 | 0 | -5.3 | -15 | -29 |
| 190 gr SMK | 200 yd | 1.4 | 0 | -5.5 | -15.5 | -30 |
| 190 gr SMK | 200 yd | 1.4 | 0 | -5.5 | -15.5 | -30 |
Wind Drift at 10 mph Crosswind
Drift in inches at a 90 degree full value wind. Estimated from muzzle velocity and G1 ballistic coefficient.
| Load | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 gr SST | 3.9 | 7.7 | 11.6 | 15.4 | 19.3 |
| 150 gr SST | 3.8 | 7.6 | 11.4 | 15.2 | 19 |
| 180 gr ELD-X | 2.3 | 4.7 | 7 | 9.3 | 11.6 |
| 180 gr ELD-X | 2.3 | 4.6 | 6.9 | 9.2 | 11.5 |
| 190 gr SMK | 2.8 | 5.6 | 8.4 | 11.2 | 14 |
| 190 gr SMK | 2.8 | 5.5 | 8.3 | 11 | 13.8 |
Effective Range by Application
Barrel Twist Rate Recommendations
Published Load Data
| Weight | Type | Barrel | MV (fps) | ME (ft-lb) | BC (G1) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 gr | SST | 24 in | 3,260 | 3,539 | 0.415 | Hornady Superformance .300 Win Mag 150gr SST published specs |
| 150 gr | SST | 26 in | 3,310 | 3,648 | 0.415 | Hornady Superformance .300 Win Mag 150gr SST published specs |
| 180 gr | ELD-X | 24 in | 2,960 | 3,501 | 0.569 | Hornady Precision Hunter .300 Win Mag 178gr/180gr ELD-X published specs |
| 180 gr | ELD-X | 26 in | 3,010 | 3,621 | 0.569 | Hornady Precision Hunter .300 Win Mag 178gr/180gr ELD-X published specs |
| 190 gr | SMK | 24 in | 2,900 | 3,547 | 0.533 | Federal Gold Medal .300 Win Mag 190gr Sierra MatchKing published specs |
| 190 gr | SMK | 26 in | 2,950 | 3,671 | 0.533 | Federal Gold Medal .300 Win Mag 190gr Sierra MatchKing published specs |
Data Disclaimer
Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from Hornady Superformance .300 Win Mag 150gr SST published specs; Hornady Precision Hunter .300 Win Mag 178gr/180gr ELD-X published specs; Federal Gold Medal .300 Win Mag 190gr Sierra MatchKing published specs. Always confirm zero and trajectory with your specific firearm.
Pick the right barrel
Twist rate should match the bullet weights you plan to shoot. See barrel steel grades, profiles, chamber types, and twist rate guidance on the barrel specs page, then jump into the builder to filter barrels chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum.